The Raider Review
Principal Newsletter - August 13, 2021
Important Campus Dates
Round Up, 6th-8th grade, 4pm-7pm
Athletic Meeting Main Gym 7th and 8th graders, 6pm
8/18: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!
9/1: Open House/Curriculum Night
9/6: Labor Day - Student and Staff Holiday
Celebrate BCMS Community
Principal's Corner
I am thrilled to welcome new and returning Raiders for another outstanding year of learning together. This year we look forward to hosting back to school events to help your middle schooler become acclimated with our campus, make some new friends and explore their learning environment. Below are some important events and details to help the start of the school year run smoothly for your Raider.
6th Graders, make sure you have registered below if you are joining us for Raider Relays Monday morning. The link and details are below. Round-up for all families is Monday from 4-7. Final schedules will be viewable in Skyward (parent or student) on Sunday August 15 at noon. Bring a copy or a have it on your phone for Round-up. This was pushed back from Friday to accommodate changes needing to be made for the virtual learning option. Schedules will not be accessible if immunizations are missing (7th graders- see more info below). Contact Nurse Rhodes with questions.
We are excited to welcome everyone back next week, it's going to be an incredible year here at BCMS!
Go Raiders!
Principal Prehn
Raider Relays - 6th Grade Event
- Sign up here for Raider Relays
- This event is only for incoming 6th grade students.
- This is a social event for students to meet new friends and participate in team building activities.
- Students will tour the campus, play team building games, learn how to open a lock, and much more!
- This is a student-only event. Parents are welcome to drop off and pick up only for this event. Parents and students are both welcome to attend Raider Round Up later in the afternoon.
- Bus Riders: Students can be transported on the bus using the same bus stop as a normal school day. Pick up will be at the regularly scheduled time and drop off will be after dismissal from the event at 11 am. Please see below for bus stop information.
- Car Riders: Students should be dropped off and picked up at the front car pick-up line located at the Main entrance to the school. Drop off is between 8:15-8:30 am and pick up is from 11:00-11:10 am.
- Front doors will open at 8:15 am.
- Students can bring a water bottle. No lunch will be served.
Raider Round Up
This event is for all incoming BCMS families, students and parents. You can do all of the following at Round Up:
- Find and view your class schedule in Skyward.
- Pick up pre-paid school supplies.
- Find and open/set up your locker (locker # and combination are found on your schedule and in Skyward).
- Pick up pre-paid athletics clothing (not PE clothing).
- Purchase BCMS t-shirt for $15 and join PTO.
- Donate to Founding Fundraiser (no hassle, only PTO fundraiser of the year).
- Set up lunch account.
- Pre-order yearbook.
- Purchase art and Engineering supplies.
- Take medications to school nurse.
- Take a tour of the campus.
- Pick up Smart Tag ID and lanyard.
- Pick up district-issued Chromebooks (incoming 6th graders and new students only).
Don't forget to grab some food from the food truck outside the cafeteria while you visit. This year PTO is hosting dinner from Craig O's in the cafeteria to allow time for families to sit and enjoy a meal together, meet new BCMS families and reconnect with old friends. Thank you PTO for making this happen for Raider Families!
Athletics/PE
Boys/girls in athletics will pick up their athletic clothing at Round Up that they ordered online before the end of school. If you are unable to attend Raider Round Up, you will receive your clothing on the first day of school.
PE/Pre-Athletics Clothing
PE/Pre-Athletics clothing will not be handed out at Raider Round Up. All PE/Pre-Athletics clothing will be handed out the first week of school.
If you did not order athletic/PE clothing, BCMS coaches will have limited sizes and inventory to sell during Raider Round Up and the first day of school. We may also open up the website again in early August. Those orders would not come in until September some time, but would allow you to order extra sets.
Athletics Parent Meeting
Monday, August 16th at 6 pm (during Round Up) in the Big Gym.
Raider Band Registration
Don't forget to stop by the band hall during Round Up to complete your band registration.
We will be ordering band supplies, going over band fees, and picking out band lockers for the year. You can come by the band hall any time between 4pm and 7pm for Band Registration. We can't wait to see you all soon!
Chromebook Distribution
These students will will receive their Chromebooks and power cords at Round Up. Students who are not able to pick up that day will be issued devices during their first week of school.
Returning 7th & 8th Graders
These students will keep their District-Issued Chromebook over the summer and will be expected to bring these with them in August for the 2021-2022 School Year.
If you have any further questions regarding technology support, feel free to reach out directly to any of the following folks:
Tech Depot Technician: Stacy Desrocher
Tech Depot Technician: Aaron Schoenrock
Technology Helpdesk: helpdesk@ltisdschools.org or call 512-533-6565
BCMS Librarian: Andrea Heckler
Returning Student Verification of Information 2021-2022
We are eager and excited to welcome our students and families to the 2021-2022 school year. While returning students are automatically enrolled for the coming school year, certain documents must be acknowledged, verified and/or updated annually. This includes parent contact information, notice of student directory, the optional LT Shield Chromebook Protection Plan, request for transportation services, and the student/parent handbook. We are also asking parents to update their child’s health information. Therefore, parents of all returning students for the 2021-2022 school year must complete a Returning Student Packet. Both the Returning Student Packet and the Student Health Information icons are available on the home dashboard in Skyward Family Access.
Should you need assistance with your Skyward Family Access account, please contact the Lake Travis ISD HelpDesk at skyward@ltisdschools.org.
Please be sure to visit the Back-to-School 2021-2022 section of our website for the latest information and resources to help you and your family prepare for the start of the new year.
Skyward Family Access
Skyward Family Access does not include athletics, food and nutrition services, student drug testing and transportation information, nor does it replace Schoology, the district's Learning Management System used by our teachers districtwide to deliver courses and content online.
For assistance with your login or password, contact the Lake Travis ISD Help Desk at 512-533-6565 or via email at skyward@ltisdschools.org. Login names and passwords are automatically generated by the Skyward system at time of enrollment. Your name, your student's name, and campus will be required to locate your account.
Parents/Guardians have the ability to change their email address and password once logged into Family Access via the "Student Profile" icon on the main dashboard. All other changes must be coordinated with the campus registrar.
School Hours
- 8:20-4:20 - Office Hours (Monday-Friday)
- 8:20 a.m. - Students may enter building
- 8:50 a.m. - Classes begin
- 4:10 p.m. - Students are dismissed
- View the 2021-2022 LTISD Instructional Calendar here.
LTISD Bus Information
Bus routes for the 2021-2022 school year are available in Transfinder, an independent web-based boundary and routing system. Please note, some routes and pick-up and drop-off times have been adjusted from the previous school year.
Also, did you know that you can receive alerts regarding arrival times, delays and other updates regarding our transportation services? To do so, be sure to create an account in our SMART tag Parent Portal.
Be sure to visit the Transportation Department web page for additional resources.
We look forward to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for students who will be riding our school buses this year.
Attendance
We can provide an exceptional educational experience for your child, but he/she must be here on time and stay all day for us to do so. The entire school day is needed to deliver the full instructional program.
Arrive before 8:50 and stay until 4:10 every day. If your student is arriving late or leaving early, they may only do so through the Main Office.
However…they can’t learn if they are ill, and others will miss learning opportunities if your child is contagious. Do not send your child to school if he/she:
- Is under doctor’s orders to stay home.
- Has had fever over 100 degrees within the last 24 hours.
- Has had diarrhea in the last 24 hours.
- Has pink eye.
Otherwise, we encourage you to send your child to school. If he/she is not well enough to stay the entire day, the nurse will send him/her home.
When you take your student to the doctor, please provide a doctor’s or dentist's note stating they had an appointment. Please submit all doctor's notes or reports of illness to our Attendance Clerk, Kristi Doering.
Health Information
Prescription and Non-Prescription Drugs
- Must be dropped off to the health office and picked up by a parent/guardian.
- Must be in the original container.
- Must be accompanied by a note if dosage differs from what is on the original non-prescription container.
- Must remain in the health office, not with the student (except for asthma medication and epi-pens with written permission).
Immunization Information
- Texas Law requires all students to be current with their immunizations or have an up-to-date exemption form on file with the school nurse prior to the first day of school. These records must be in the nurse’s office by August 10th, to ensure your student will receive their schedule of classes. Any student whose immunization records are incomplete or who does not have an exemption on file with the school nurse will not be allowed to attend classes on the first day of school.
- All new students enrolling to BCMS must complete a registration packet with all required documents for registration and immunizations. This must be submitted before the first day of school. Nurse Rhodes will contact you for any missing immunizations.
- If your child has a severe allergy, chronic medical condition, or requires medication at school please notify Cheryl Rhodes, RN, at 737-931-2418, so she can create a plan before school begins. Immunization records and emergency care plans may be faxed to 737-931-2401, or scanned and attached to email at rhodesc@ltisdschools.org
Morning Drop Off Information
Car Rider Drop Off
All BCMS students (grades 6-8) are to be dropped off at the Main Entrance in the front of the school illustrated by the Green route on the map. Parents, as you enter the front loop, please pull as far forward as possible in order to allow as many vehicles into the front loop at one time.
We have learned that groups of cars arrive in groups due to the light, so pulling forward prevents a backup of cars. Please, DO NOT drop your student off in the faculty and visitor parking lot. BCMS does not have staff available in the morning to monitor the crosswalk for safety.
Thank you for your cooperation in this process and keeping students safe in the morning.
Additional Information
- Please have your child/children ready to exit the car prior to entering the drive.
- Pull all the way up to the sign that says, “Pull Up to Here” in a single line near the sidewalk to drop off your child/children.
- Allow your child to exit anywhere on the sidewalk, rather than waiting until you are directly in front of the doors.
- Stay in your vehicle once you enter either drive, just as your would at the airport.
- Please allow enough time for morning traffic (especially on rainy days).
- All car riders should be dropped off from the car rider lane only.
- For the safety of your child, do not let your child exit your car and walk between parked vehicles, as this is not a safe option.
- The car loops are one way at all times, both morning and afternoon.
- Being on time allows your child to begin their school day without feeling rushed. It is also important to model being on time.
Other Transportation Options
- Walkers and bicycle riders will enter the building through the main front doors.
- Bus riders will be dropped off at the back entrance by the café.
Afternoon Dismissal
There are 4 dismissal options:
- Bus Riders
- Car Riders
- Walkers
- Bike Riders
Bus Riders
ONLY buses pick up at the back of the school building. Please do not enter the bus lane at the back of the school. Bus riders will exit the back doors of the main hallway. Buses will transport ONLY eligible riders.
Car Riders
6th and 7th grade car riders will be picked up at the main front entrance.
8th grade car riders will be picked up in the back of the school.
Cars will be directed into both lanes of the loading zone. Please pull as far forward as possible and do not leave a large gap between you and the vehicle in front. This will allow us room to get 9 cars in each lane at a time. The next group of cars will be held up to wait at the Traffic Control spot by a staff member.
Students are to watch for their car and move down the sidewalk anticipating where they will stop. When given the “load up” direction by staff members, because all cars in the Loading Zone have stopped and are in Park, students can then load up.
When all cars are loaded and the staff gives the “thumbs up” the staff member at the Traffic Release position will release both lanes to exit.
Shortly after that the Traffic Control will let the next set of cars (18) enter the Loading Zone and we will do it all again. The first group of cars is usually released about 4 minutes after the bell (4:14) and each group after that takes about 1 minute. Working together with the number of cars that are coming through, we should be sending the last group out at approximately 4:25.
Please communicate with your students to make sure that they are watching for you in order to move to where you will stop. This way we do not have to call out names which slows up the process. We will send groups without students if all other cars are loaded. Thanks for your cooperation in making this process safe and efficient.
Walkers and Bike Riders
Exit out of any exterior door. Only walk/ride on sidewalks or cross at the striped crosswalk on Vail Divide. Bike Riders and Walkers must use the crosswalk at the very front entrance/exit area to the school off Vail Divide. This is the safest place to cross. We will remind students of this the first week of school. Do not allow your students to cross right at the entrance/exit to Bella Colinas near the pool. The should utilize the sidewalks along Vail Divide towards our front entrance. Please be aware of cares and buses, as there is no crossing guard.
Please view the map and video below for further explanation of the dismissal process.
Cafeteria Account Information
- Online meal pre-payments can take up to 24 hours to process.
- The My School Bucks service charges a convenience fee of $2.49 for online credit card deposits up to $240.00 (as of 12/11/2017).
- The overall convenience fee for the max credit card deposit is 1%.
- Free pre-payments are accepted in cash or check at your campus café.
- For proper account credit, cash or check pre-payments must be in a labeled envelope with student ID# and full name. Checks should be made payable to "LTISD."
- If you deposit money at your school café, the money is immediately available for students at the campus only. It is available district-wide the following business day.
- Students will not be allowed to purchase snacks or a la carte items without a positive balance in their lunch account.
- Chick-Fil-A sandwiches will be served once a week. Students must have a positive balance in their account in order to purchase this item.
- You may sign up for My School Bucks to utilize transaction history and other features.
- It is suggested that all students have an account with a few days’ credit on it in case lunches or money are misplaced or forgotten.
- The Federal Lunch Program Forms are available online.
- Please visit MySchoolBucks Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- For more information, call 512-533-7990 or email foodservice@ltisdschools.org
District Dress Code and Items That Do Not Belong at School
District Dress Code Prohibits the Following:
- Exposed undergarments, chest, midriff, or buttocks
- Crop tops, strapless tops, halter tops, backless tops, and shirts with spaghetti straps
- Shorts, skirts, or dresses that expose any undergarments or private areas of the body
- Clothing advertising tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, violence, or material that is offensive
- Spandex or form-fitting attire that does not cover buttocks
- Pajamas or other bedtime attire (unless for a "dress up day" approved by principal)
- Hats inside the building (unless for a "dress up day" approved by principal)
Items That Do Not Belong at School:
- Weapons, including pocket knives
- Tobacco, tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes
- Drugs, alcohol, or drug paraphernalia
- Skateboards, rollerblades, or shoes with wheels
Wearing school-issued Smart Tag ID card on a lanyard is an expected part of the dress code. Students must wear their ID card over the front of their clothing (not on their backpack) and must have this to purchase lunch, check out library books and get assistance at the Tech Depot. This is critical to the safety and security of our building. All staff and students must wear their IDs during the school day. We appreciate your assistance reminding your students of this important requirement. Should they lose their badge or need a replacement, these can be purchased at the front desk anytime during the school day or before school.
For a more detailed list, see the district Secondary Student/Parent Handbook.
SMART TAG: STUDENT ID BADGES REQUIRED FOR ALL SECONDARY STUDENTS
Beginning last fall, all students now receive an ID badge upon return to in-person learning on campus. Secondary students will be required to wear their ID badge throughout the school day in accordance with our Lake Travis Secondary Schools Student/Parent Handbook 2020-2021.
Please help remind your students to wear their badge each day to school. They will be directed to the front office upon arrival if they forget, but this takes time out of their instructional day which impacts learning. We appreciate your support in reminding students of these new requirements!
Aside from student identification, the badge will also support automation and increase the efficiency of key services in a contact-less manner including bus ridership, elementary dismissal, library book and technology device checkout, school meals, and our Extended Care after school program. Only the student’s photo, name and associated barcode will be printed on the ID badge. No other information will be stored on the badge, nor will badges be used to track a student’s location.
The SMART tag system also offers a secure Parent Portal where parents and guardians can manage notifications and alerts regarding transportation services and student dismissal changes. To access an existing SMART tag account, or to register a new account, visit the SMART tag Parent Portal.
BCMS Student Council
Click this link to learn more about this outstanding organization!
Visitors and Deliveries
It is our priority to keep students and staff safe and focused on high quality education. Therefore, we respectfully request that all visitors sign-in at the office upon entering through the front doors and wear a visitor’s badge while in the building. The badge verifies that you have checked in the office, presented proper identification and made clear the purpose for your visit. In addition, you must have a pre-scheduled meeting with your child's teacher in order to have a parent-teacher conference.
For the first two weeks of school, we will not have visitors for lunch. This allows students time to adjust to school procedures as well as build relationships with classmates.
Deliveries of forgotten items to students should be limited, so that important instructional time is not interrupted. Parents needing to drop off a lunch or other school items to their child will be able to do so by dropping the labeled item(s) in the Main Office. Items will be delivered to the students as soon as possible. We do not allow lunch deliveries from outside vendors (Grub Hub, Uber Eats, Door Dash etc.).
PTO
Our PTO President for the 2021-2022 school year is Shannon Gatlin. Visit the Raiders PTO website at www.raiderspto.org. Sign up for news and communication via Konstella on the PTO website. Be sure to look for our numerous volunteer opportunities available.
Sprouts School Supplies that were pre-purchase will be available for pick up during Round-Up in the Grade Level Houses. PTO will have a VERY LIMITED number for kits available for purchase the night of Round-Up.
We are very lucky to have our PTO Sponsor Craig O’s Food Truck with us for Round-Up!!! Come hungry - stay and eat dinner in our Cafeteria or outside on the picnic tables!! All proceeds will be donated back to our PTO!!! THANK YOU Craig O’s
PTO No-Hassle Membership Drive is OPEN! Click the QR code below and it will take you directly to the membership sales page. We have also included the Membership levels for viewing.
BCMS Raiders Spirit Store will open on Sunday, August 15th! We have been hard at work getting some new merchandise for our Raiders. See below for those links.
Please remember we would like to have 100% participation in Konstella as this is how PTO information is sent out throughout the year. This is also how the Grade Level Reps will communicate events to the class. Please click this link to sign up for your child(s) grade(s). https://www.konstella.com/cd/RYPKBI
Join BCMS PTO - Click The Code Below
Order Raider Spirit Wear Below!
Your Leadership Team
Your Leadership Team
While our campus leadership team works collaboratively with all students and teachers, the following information should help you reach the appropriate Principal or Counselor for your child's grade level should a concern or question arise. We are all committed to serving our students and appreciate the opportunity to work together with families to support our learners!
6th grade Assistant Principal- Mr. Tres Ellis
6th grade Counselor- Ms. JoAnna Janecek
7th grade Assistant Principal- Ms. Laura Keogh
7th grade Counselor- Ms. Dana Page
8th grade Assistant Principal- A-K Ms. Laura Keogh and L-Z Mr. Tres Ellis
8th grade Counselor- A-K Ms. Dana Page and L-Z Ms. JoAnna Janecek
Please reach out directly to your child's teacher(s) with classwork, homework or curriculum needs and feel free to include any member of your child's leadership team if needed.
Miss a newsletter?
Please note that the Principal Newsletter is sent to the email addresses you have listed in Skyward Family Access. If you are not receiving weekly newsletters, please verify that your information is correct in Skyward or reach out to our Registrar, Christy Thompson at thompsonc@ltisdschools.org for further assistance.
Thank you for tuning in and have a wonderful rest of your week, Raiders!
Bee Cave Middle School
Website: https://www.ltisdschools.org/bcms
Location: 5400 Vail Divide, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 737-931-2400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beecaveraiders/
Twitter: @BCMSRaiders